WASHINGTON, February 27. /TASS/. The rare earth minerals deal between the United States and Ukraine, which may be signed this week, contains no guarantees to fund the fighting in Ukraine or send US troops there, Reuters news agency reported quoting a US administration source.

The source also said that the United States is pleased with the increase in defense spending by the United Kingdom and discussions around the possible participation of British troops in the so-called peacekeeping operation.

US President Donald Trump said earlier that he would not oppose sending European peacekeepers to Ukraine. The US administration said that it would not consider sending an American contingent there.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said that Russia cannot support the idea of deploying European peacekeepers in Ukraine because is a step towards escalation.